Accessibility links

Navigation

History OCR A Level at Kingdown School

Course description

Students are required to have an ability to analyse historical sources and to provide an evaluation of the evidence they investigate. Effective communication skills in essay writing, debating and discussion are essential. The course includes a contribution
to the final grade through coursework.

Course content

AS Level:

Unit 1: British Period Study and Enquiry

The early Stuarts and the Origins of the English Civil War 1603-1660.

This unit explores the origins of the civil war in England and includes an enquiry into the Execution of Charles I.

Unit 2: Russia 1894-1941

This unit covers the Tsarist system, the rise of Communism and the leadership of Lenin and Stalin.

A Level:

Unit 1 and 2 (see above)

Unit 3: The Middle East 1908-2011.

This module brings the course up to date by exploring the origins of conflict in the Middle East and interpretations of these events.

Unit 4: Continuity and Change in Anglo-Saxon England, AD300 – 790.

Why and how did Roman rule come to an end in the early 5th century?

What were the Anglo-Saxon ‘invasions’ and how far did these events change Britain?

What was life like in England in the 5th – 8 th centuries; what changed and why?

What is a ‘king’ and a ‘kingdom’?

What led to the rise of the early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms?

How did the conversion to Christianity change England? Why was no kingdom able to permanently dominate the other kingdoms?

This involves exploring the evidence of archaeology and the earliest written sources of evidence.

Entry requirements

GCSE English grade (9-5) and Maths (9-4) plus 3 GCSEs at grades A*-C with an A* - B grade in History if you have studied it at key stage 4.

If History has not been studied at key stage 4 GCSE English grade (9-6) and Maths (9-4) plus 3 GCSEs at grades A*-C

Assessment

Unit 1 exam

1 hour 30 mins

25% of A Level

Unit 2 exam

1 hour

15% of A Level

Unit 3 exam

2 hour 30 mins

40% of A Level

Coursework

25% of A Level

Future opportunities

History is valued as an academic subject, particularly the ability to develop analytical and research skills and the ability to evaluate source information.

History is a ‘good’ subject for Law and Media and Business, Personnel Work and a wide range of Management occupations.

History is a good solid academic subject that will prepare students well for the top universities.

How to apply

If you want to apply for this course, you will need to contact Kingdown School directly.

As part of raising our students' aspirations for their futures, we offer access to all Year 12 students to a Higher Education Convention. This enables students to ask questions and gather information from prospective Higher Education establishments. This, plus the work carried out in weekly House Forums, enables students to make an informed decision about their Post 18 education and employment.

Sixth Formers at Kingdown School, who aspire to apply to Oxbridge Universities, are given specialist support. Kingdown School also offers the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) which is a valuable opportunity for students to focus on a project of their choice whilst developing their skills in research, writing, referencing, presenting and much more.

Kingdown School runs an extensive leadership programme for students. Students have the opportunity to be part of the School Leadership groups which include: School Environment. Sport, Teaching and Learning. Army. Information Technology and Community. Students also have the opportunity to apply to become Head Students, House Captains, Vice House Captains or be a IC55 Leader. These opportunities are also supported by students being able to develop leadership skills whilst mentoring younger Students.